M.Ed. Early Childhood Education

The 30-semester hour M.Ed. in Early Childhood program is designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of currently certified educators in grades preK-5, and focuses on leadership development, advocacy for all learners, best practices in pedagogy, and applied research skills. Upon completion of the program, educators with a Level 4 certification in Early Childhood will be eligible to upgrade their teaching certificate to a master's level (Level 5) by the Georgia Professional Standards Committee upon successful completion of the program. Students also have the option to earn an endorsement in one of the following areas: Autism, ESOL, Mathematics ECE (K-5), Reading, or STEM. (Endorsements vary by location.) Diverse field-based experiences also enhance classroom instruction.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon completion of the program, students will be prepared to:

Understand the social, behavioral, emotional, cognitive and physical characteristics and needs of young children and how these factors apply to the creation of supportive and engaging learning environments for early childhood students

Understand how young children differ in their capabilities and approaches to learning and how teaching strategies and the learning environment can be adapted to meet the diverse needs of students

Understand the major concepts, principles, theories, and research related to young adolescent development

Design, implement and evaluate an integrated, developmentally appropriate curriculum to meet the social, behavioral, emotional, cognitive, and physical needs of the young child

Demonstrate competency in developing, implementing and evaluating a broad spectrum of formative and summative assessment strategies

PROGRAM DELIVERY MODEL

Mercer offers two convenient delivery formats: online and in-class, allowing students to determine the best fit for their busy schedules. Students who choose to take courses online have the option to meet with faculty face-to-face at one of Mercer's various locations.

The online Early Childhood Education major admits students two times per year for the Fall (August) and Summer (May) terms. The Atlanta-based Early Childhood Education major admits students three times per year for the Fall (August), Spring (January), and Summer (May) terms.

In-Class (Atlanta)

A 16-month program is offered on the Atlanta campus in an in-class, face-to-face format. Students attend class on a year-round calendar. Each class is delivered in 16-week semesters.

Online

The 12-16 month M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education program is offered fully online. However, students have the opportunity to schedule optional face-to-face meetings with faculty. Each class is delivered in 8-week sessions.